by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (October 17, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 031609739X
- ISBN-13: 978-0316097390
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Product Description:Review: This is an absolutely delightful read!
The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married--and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day--she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.
But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise--she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.
I know we usually think of James Patterson as an author of mystery/thrillers. This story may not be exactly a thriller but it does have a mystery. And it has warm family and friend relationships.
Gaby is an exuberant widow with four adult children. Her husband died three years ago and the family hasn’t celebrated Christmas together since his death. Gaby communicates to her children through video and the opening video tells everyone that they must come home to Vermont to celebrate not only Christmas but a wedding - Gaby’s wedding! The kink is she doesn’t identify the groom!
The chapters reveal each of the children, their spouses and family circumstances and struggles - highs and lows. You get a sense that each child has inherited some of Gaby’s joie de vivre, strength and generosity.
Through subsequent videos to the children the reader also learns of the three main candidates for the position of the groom. There is Tom, the handsome former hockey player who grew up with Gaby; the quiet yet impassioned local Rabbi, Jacob; and Gaby’s brother-in-law, (her husband’s younger brother), Marty, who has always had a crush on Gaby. All of the men work with Gaby and her best friend to serve breakfast to the poor each morning.
As usual the book has the short chapters that I really like in Patterson’s books. The characters are developed sufficiently so that you can relate to some or be angry at others. The mystery is just plain fun. The love between mother and children is warm and cozy and the warmth extends to the friends and the groom. I found this to be a quick and delightful read. If you are looking for a quick “feel good” family story, this fits the bill!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the book copy:
1. We've visited this author's website before so I will give you a choice: visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there; OR share a Christmas story that you recommend! One or the other is required for entry.
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)
* Open to the US & Canada only.
* No PO boxes, please.The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 5.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
